MASSENA - The Friends of the Nature Center at Robert Moses State Park, Inc., in Massena are excited to announce that they received a grant from the St. Lawrence Health Initiatives Healthy Places Project to purchase 23 additional sets of childrens cross-country ski sets and additional boots and poles.

All winter recreation equipment was lost in the 2010 fire that had shut the doors of the nature center. Since then, fundraising and grants have been used to replace equipment. The Nature Center and St. Lawrence Healthy Places make for the perfect team, working toward many of the same goals. The Health Initiatives Creating Healthy Places project is glad to be able to provide youth-sized cross-country skis to the Nature Center. Winter, as you know, can be very long – its great to have places nearby where we can get outside together for some fresh air and exercise, states Karen Bage, Healthy Places project director.

This grant has allowed us to fully recover the number of cross-country ski sets we lost in the fire. We now have 55 ski sets and an additional 12 set of boots and poles, ranging in sizes to fit a small child to a large adult, said Mary Danboise, Nature Center Executive Director. The center also has about 100 pair of snowshoes in a range of sizes. Rentals are available daily for only $4 per pair.

The center will hold a Guided Ski-n-Snowshoe Event at the Nature Center trails from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Feb. 15, weather permitting. Experience nature at night and let the moonlight show the way. The evening event is for all ages and abilities. Each of the trails is on gentle, rolling terrain and approximately 1.6 miles long. No experience is necessary for snowshoeing, but cross-country skiers must be experienced.

After the hike, participants can enjoy socializing around the outdoor fire pit. Preregistration is required of all participants and everyone is asked to dress for weather. Trail conditions can be checked daily on the Friends Facebook page. Meet at the trail head sign, 19 Robinson Bay Road. Call 315-705-5022 or email ncrebirth@yahoo.com for more information. Check out the Nature Centers website at www.massenanaturecenter.org.

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